Njeri

KENYA & SAN DIEGO, CA

WENDY GAUNTLETT-SHAW – ARTIST



18”x36” Oil on Canvas

Original $3000

Fine Art Giclee Reproduction: $600

(On Canvas, Stretched and Gallery wrapped, ready to hang)

10% Donated for micro loans to women

When I met Njeri , she had recently immigrated with two of her children, joining her husband and oldest daughter, in    San Diego. Njeri’s beauty, shyness and my curiosity of her story compelled me to create this portrait.

In this painting Njeri’s hands are strong and large, lovingly holding her face, her spirit. These are working hands. In Kenya, Njeri grew her own food and owned cows for milk.

After many months, Njeri returned to Kenya to check on her home. A group of us loaned her money to take back yarn to her village to crochet blankets and hats. When Njeri returned to the U.S., I shared the finished portrait with her. She smiled and laughed and put her hand over her mouth, perhaps a bit embarrassed. Then she proudly showed me her gorgeous crocheted throws and many colorful hats. Not long after, she sold most of her inventory in a show and has repaid her loan. This could be the start of setting up micro loans to help women begin a new business, enabling women to support their lives with their art.